MP predicts power shift in Armenia under foreign pressure

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13 Nov 04

12 November: A power shift is likely to take place in Armenia in two
or three months. However, it is not the opposition, but the authorities
that will carry it out under pressure from foreign forces demanding the
return of the liberated territories to Azerbaijan, MP Manuk Gasparyan
said at the National Press Club today.

The USA, Russia, Iran and all the other states are putting pressure
on Armenia in this issue, and [Armenian President Robert] Kocharyan
will resign without returning the liberated territories, Gasparyan
said. Only France will support Armenia, the MP predicted.

However, according to Gasparyan’s own predictions, before tendering his
resignation, Kocharyan will ensure the succession of his rule. For
example, a new opposition force is already being set up in the
parliament, although it is a “loyal” one, in the person of the United
Workers’ Party and the People’s Deputy factions, Gasparyan said.

The deputy supposes that personnel changes will soon take place in
the police, tax and customs services. It is planned to sack Ecology
Minister Vardan Ayvazyan, Gasparyan considers.

Addressing the situation in the country’s domestic policy, Manuk
Gasparyan pointed out that having suffered a defeat, the opposition
is now “in thought”. This thought will take two or three months.

And if the head of the New Times Party, Aram Karapetyan, does not
carry out the promised national coup by September 2005, he will become
“half dead” for the people, the guest of the National Press Club said.

A revolution is simply necessary in Armenia, the MP said
confidently. Will Manuk Gasparyan himself carry out the revolution
with the help of foreign and domestic forces? “Yes, if there are
no casualties.”